Reopening a dental practice in Darlington will take longer than initially thought, a council leader has admitted.

Just 12 NHS dental practices remain in the town after Burgess + Hyder, which served hundreds of residents in Firthmoor, announced it will close this week. 

Darlington Council Leader Jonathan Dulston initially told residents, in a message on March 14, that a new provider would be found “within a couple of weeks” but has now rowed back on his comments. He told councillors at a meeting that although the process is taking longer the council is committed to finding a solution for residents. 

Council and officials are in talks with up to three providers about taking over the Firthmoor site. 

“It won’t be the two weeks that I promised but I am absolutely confident that a new provider will be found,” cllr Dulston said. 

It comes as health officials warned that the dental demand remains “very high” and the backlog is due to last another two years, with practices around the town struggling to cope with rising demand. 

Issues of long waiting lists, practices not accepting new patients and NHS recruitment difficulties were laid bare at a special healthcare meeting with councillors last week. But as many have seen their access to regular treatment reduced, people have shockingly resorted to ‘DIY dentistry’ and taking their own teeth out in a drastic bid to ease the pain. 

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Although officials hope to provide a positive update on a new provider for Firthmoor soon, they warn that capacity may be reduced.

Cabinet member for health and housing, cllr Kevin Nicholson, said he is aware of the need for more dental provision in the town but said NHS England’s dental provision is “not fit for purpose”.

But opposition Labour councillors said the council is only now responding to the ongoing dental issues, despite months of delays. Cllr Nick Wallis said: “Suddenly this is a hive of activity but we have been raising this for 11 to 12 months.”